Research in CBD suggests that it can be effective in treating certain types of chronic pain, for example, pain from a nerve injury, studies continue in this field of investigation for evidence available to support using CBD in treating the musculoskeletal pain which is associated with arthritis.
There are over 100 different types of arthritis but two of the most common types of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition wherein a person’s immune system attacks their joints, causing inflammation, whilst osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that affects joint cartilage and bones, causing pain and stiffness.
In reviewing the evidence on whether CBD is effective in treating the pain associated with arthritis, mainly anecdotal evidence could be found to suggest that some people with arthritis who use CBD, report noticeable pain relief, improved sleep, or reduced anxiety. Including studies conducted in animals where CBD has proven to have a positive benefit on arthritis.
One study which has been published in the journal Pain in December 2017 analyzed whether CBD could prevent osteoarthritis pain and joint neuropathy and based on findings the researchers concluded that CBD decreased joint inflammation and served as a protectant to the nerves in osteoarthritis.
So, while there are some laboratory studies suggesting that CBD might be a positive benefit in arthritis and animal studies showing anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, medical experts still recommend that people with rheumatoid arthritis continue to take their, conventional prescription medications, because these medicines help prevent permanent joint damage and worsening disability.
Below are some recommendations from a Harvard Health Blog on taking CBD for arthritis:
The Do’s:
• If considering a CBD product, choose one that has been independently tested for purity, potency, and safety.
• CBD should be one part of an overall pain management plan that includes nonmedication options (such as exercise) and psychological support.
• Choose an oral treatment (rather than inhaled products) and start with a low dose taken in the evening.
• Establish initial goals of treatment within a realistic period of time — for example, a reduction in knee pain that allows you to walk around the block within two weeks of starting treatment; later, if improved, the goals can be adjusted.
• Tell your doctor(s) about your planned and current CBD treatment; monitor your pain and adjust medications with your medical providers, rather than with nonmedical practitioners (such as those selling CBD products).
The Don’t’s:
• For people with rheumatoid arthritis or related conditions, do not stop prescribed medications that may be protecting your joints from future damage; discuss any changes to your medication regimen with your doctor.
References:
https://www.rheumatoidarthritis.org/cbd-oil/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319796#:~:text=A%202017%20study%20found%20that,and%20inflammation%20associated%20with%20arthritis.
https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/managing-pain/pain-relief-solutions/cbd-for-arthritis-pain
https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2020/march/complementary-treatments-and-arthritis-from-turmeric-to-cannabis-oil/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/does-cbd-help-with-arthritis-pain-2020041019418